Great move, but wrong timing! – Mixed reactions ‘greet’ Akufo-Addo’s ban

It was the second big announcement in one day. Ghanaians were either glued to their television sets or tuned in to their radio sets, ready to listen to what the President had to say about the country’s coronavirus status.

Earlier on Sunday, March 15, 2020, the Ghana Health Service and Information ministry had given updates on the country’s status in relation to the fast-spreading virus. Announcing four more confirmed cases, they assured the citizenry that contact tracing had started and educated further the populace on some safety tips to adhere to.

Travel bans were also announced by the information minister.

According to him,

Travelers, except Ghanaian citizens and persons with Ghanaian residence permits, who have been to a country that has recorded at least 200 cases of Covid-19 within the last 14 days will not be admitted into the Ghanaian jurisdiction, neither by air routes nor border posts.

He further indicated that a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine be observed by any traveller upon entry to Ghana.

Barely hours after the announcement, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in a live broadcast also gave some more stringent directives, following earlier deliberations.

He among other things placed a ban on public gathering including church gatherings, ordered for the shutdown of all schools, political rallies and funerals.

Businesses he says can operate but under strict and enhanced hygiene procedures, whilst public transport systems were also cautioned to adhere to all safety and hygiene procedures.

Some Ghanaians took to social media to express their views about the announcement, shortly after. For some of them, the instructions were in the right direction, considering it will help minimise the importation of any cases and further spread of the virus moving forward.

Others however were doubtful of the impact it will have on minimising the spread of the disease, and yet for some others, the move was a delayed one which should have been done before now.

Ghanaweb monitored some social reactions and compiled a few:

Something we could've prevented.
If we had banned travels out and in the country all this wouldn't have happened.
We have ourselves to blame as a Country for not being PROACTIVE

— AZUMAH HEIGHTERS 93 (@Heighters2) March 15, 2020

Hmm won't talk much oo
Are we safe??

— daniel guyber (@daniel_guyber) March 15, 2020

While Donal Trump is calling for national prayer day AkufoAddo is calling the closure of all church services...

Aren't we suppose to look to God???

— Abe Hoto (@HotoAbe) March 16, 2020

Thanks MR President

— KOFI ???????? (@zekay_tweets) March 15, 2020

Mr President closing down schools is a good thing but I think it’s best students still stay in school .. making them go home might increase the chances of the virus spreading if some infected ones aren’t being identified yet

— Shadowstringsgh (@samdav450) March 15, 2020

Why are night clubs also not suspended but religious activities?
I know religious activities allow large numbers to gather but can't they be advised to meet in smaller groups? We still can't put God aside and pick Him up later

— Prisca Okley-Anum (@dr_pris) March 15, 2020

You really showed leadership tonight...#staysafetoomrpresident

— BlackMamba???????????????? (@KojoBlack8) March 15, 2020